Jessica Barton Clarke died at her home in Jackson, Mississippi on October 25, 2023. She was 91.
Jessica was born February 7, 1932, in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Hutchison School in Memphis where she graduated valedictorian and was voted the ideal Hutchison girl by the student body. She attended Duke University and Vanderbilt University, where she graduated in 1954.
Jessica moved to Jackson from Memphis in 1958. In addition to being a homemaker, Jessica was active in numerous clubs and organizations in the community, including the Junior League, Contact the Crisis Line and Common Bond, among others.
After rearing her son, Jessica returned to school and earned a Master of Arts in sociology at Mississippi College. Several years later, Jessica earned a Master of Science in counseling from Jackson State University and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Jessica focused her practice on counseling women dealing with infertility and remained active professionally for many years. Throughout her life, Jessica remained an avid reader and student who enjoyed learning and discovery, frequently attending classes and workshops. She also enjoyed traveling extensively with family and friends.
While Jessica had many interests, most important to her was her family. She was a devoted mother, wife and homemaker. Among her passions was creating a beautiful home for her family to enjoy, as well as a place to entertain friends. Jessica enjoyed collecting furniture and art and had a particular interest in Williamsburg architecture and furnishings, as evidenced by a home she helped design and create for her family. She was an avid gardener who loved the outdoors.
Jessica enjoyed people and took a genuine interest in their lives, whether long-time friends or new acquaintances.
Jessica was preceded in death by her mother and father, Jessica Stark Barton and Lester Curry Barton, son Barton Curry Brown, husband Holden Mast Clarke, brother John Curry Barton and nephew James Edward Barton. She is survived by her son Ralph Baxter Brown, Jr., stepchildren Stuart Clarke, Shellie Kilgore, and Jennifer Stocker, nephews John Poston Barton and Stephen Curry Barton, and numerous step-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5400 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hutchison School, 1740 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, TN 38119, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, or the charity of your choice.
